32. Sarah
The shoot ran until almost 9pm, and by the time they were done, Sarah was exhausted. She couldn’t imagine Theo being any less tired, as he’d had to pose in countless positions and hold them, adjusting minutely every few minutes. She admired his professionalism and dedication—even if the same couldn’t be said for his partner. Yu-jin was obviously milking the session for all it was worth, and Sarah could swear Dan was whispering in the photographer’s ear to force them even closer together. She wouldn’t have been surprised if they’d ended up lying on top of each other and pretending to make out by the end. Yu-jin probably would have been onboard. Her attraction to Theo was almost comically obvious, but Sarah was proud of herself for maintaining her own professionalism through the afternoon and evening.
‘That’s a wrap for today,’ the photographer said. ‘We’ll return tomorrow for the next round. Thank you, everyone. You’ve all worked very hard today.’
Theo clapped his appreciation and nodded at the photographer.
‘Thank you.’
He then made a beeline right for Sarah. ‘Should we get out of here? We could find a nice restaurant for dinner. I meant to plan ahead and book the three-star Michelin restaurant I visited last time, but I don’t know if they’ll have any availability at short notice?—’
‘We don’t need to eat at a Michelin-star restaurant. Didn’t Elias say he’d happily eat at convenience stores?’
Theo laughed. ‘Well, yes, but we should do something a little more upmarket than that.’
Yu-jin came over. ‘Are you talking about dinner? We’ve already booked a table at a tofu restaurant close to here.’ She looked at Theo specifically. ‘You’re on the reservation.’
‘Uh…’ He looked at Sarah. ‘I guess we could go.’
‘The help are going to a karaoke bar,’ Yu-jin said. ‘Sarah is welcome to join them. The restaurant is only for talent and managers. The photographer organised it especially.’
‘Oh, right.’ Theo looked like he was trying to find a way around the arrangement, but Sarah didn’t want to be responsible for making things awkward.
‘Karaoke sounds like fun. Maybe you can come join us afterwards?’
Theo pressed his lips together. ‘Why don’t I see if they can allocate another seat to our table at the restaurant? I’m sure it won’t be a problem.’
‘No, no. You go. It’s fine.’
She could see he looked torn. She certainly wasn’t happy with the plan either, but she wouldn’t give Yu-jin the benefit of seeing her react.
‘Perfect,’ Yu-jin said, grabbing Theo’s arm. ‘Have fun.’ She waved vaguely at the corner, where some of the staff were switching off the photography lighting. ‘I’m sure you’ll all get along well.’
Sarah watched as Theo and Yu-jin left the studio. Theo briefly looked back over his shoulder and mouthed the word ‘sorry’, but Sarah shooed him off, maintaining a bright smile.
Once they were gone, she contemplated returning to their hotel room, but a young woman bounded over, beaming. ‘You did Theo’s makeup-right? He looked amazing today.’
‘Thanks.’
‘Is this your first time in Japan?’
Sarah nodded.
‘Then you have to come out with us. We’ll make sure you get back to your accommodation safely afterwards.’
‘Oh, I hadn’t really…’
‘We’re leaving in five minutes. And before you say anything, it would be a shame to spend the rest of the night in your hotel room. We’d love for you to join us.’
Sarah hesitated for another moment. ‘You’re right. It would be a shame to stay in for the rest of the night. Thank you for the invitation. I’d love to come out with you.’
‘Great. Wait in the lobby. We’ll meet you in a minute.’
Sarah packed up her kit and made her way downstairs, sitting in a designer chair that looked out to the street. The signage on the other buildings was bright, with neon lettering spelling out unfamiliar words. Sarah tried to appreciate the fact she was actually in Japan.
Someone ran through the front entry, and she noticed Theo heading for the elevator. He stopped when he saw her.
‘You’re still here.’
‘Yes. Why are you?’
‘I forgot my phone.’ He hurried over to where she sat and reached out a hand, helping her to her feet. He then wrapped her in a warm embrace.
‘Are you okay?’
‘I’m fine. Just waiting for the others before we head out. You’ll have fun too.’
‘I don’t know if I’d call it fun, but it’ll be interesting. Also, I want to apologise for Yu-jin’s behaviour. She’s not the most?—’
‘Tactful?’ Sarah said, smiling.
‘That’s a nice way of putting it. But you definitely know I’m not interested in her, don’t you?’
‘I do.’
‘I’ll call or text when I’m finished, and I’ll try to get away as soon as possible.’
‘Just pretend I’m not here. You need to focus on this opportunity and make the most of it.’
He stroked her cheek. ‘Damn, you’re amazing.’
‘I try.’ She pushed up on her toes to reach his mouth, but just as they were about to kiss, the elevator door opened, and the staff from the shoot piled out. Sarah quickly stepped away.
‘Theo!’ one of the women called. ‘I assume this is your phone?’
Theo smiled. ‘Yes, I was just about to go look for it. Thank you.’
‘You’d better hurry. You don’t want to keep Queen Yu-jin waiting.’
Theo looked at Sarah again. She could tell he was worried about her, but she was feeling more secure now.
‘We’ll look after Sarah,’ the woman assured him.
‘Thank you.’ He took his phone and hurried out again.
‘Are you guys dating?’ the woman asked Sarah.
‘Ah…’ Sarah wasn’t sure if she should tell the truth.
‘I’ll take that as a yes,’ she said, winking. ‘Lucky you. And lucky him for having such a beautiful girlfriend. It’s refreshing to see a guy fall for a nice woman.’
‘Apparently Theo dated Yu-jin a while back too.’
‘Is that right? Well, he definitely upgraded with you. Anyway, I’m starving. Let’s go.’
She ushered to the others, who were talking amongst themselves, and they walked out to the street. The hot air almost took Sarah’s breath away.
‘I didn’t expect Tokyo’s weather to be this warm,’ she mused.
‘I know, right? You need to come back during spring or fall. It’s much nicer then.’
Sarah followed the group down the road. ‘I’m Mihoko, by the way,’ the woman said. She pointed to an intersection. ‘Do you recognise this?’
‘Is it the famous Shibuya crossing?’
‘Yep. Are you ready?’
Sarah looked up at the surrounding billboards and then the crowds of people enveloping her. She wished she could experience this with Theo, but she was still happy to be here.
The crossing light changed to green, and Sarah nodded.
‘Yes, I’m ready.’